“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)
Today at 11am we had the honour of standing in silence with 100 Primary School Children and their Teachers as we remembered together the sacrifice made in both World Wars and all other conflicts. This is a solemn thing and it somehow always seems right to pause and pay our respects at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
It is good to show those who are still alive, who once where in active service that just because years have passed, we have not forgotten what they did in service for their country.
This is what God says to each of us - You Are Not Forgotten
“God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints” —Hebrews 6:10
A couple of years ago the ‘Last Tommy’ Henry Allingham died, severing that living link between the trenches of World War One and today. And yet, I recalled when as Britain’s oldest man at 111, vintage aircraft did a flyover, and the Band of the Royal Marines played “Happy Birthday” The Daily Mirror reported that, Henry Allingham was amazed by all of the attention. Until 6 years earlier, he had for 86 years kept secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veteran’s Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honour for what he had endured on behalf of his country.
The story of the Bible gives us parallels to Henry’s story. The Scriptures show that those who fight the battles of God often end up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service. The pessimist might observe such lives and conclude with a sigh that no good deed goes unpunished. But the author of Hebrews sees a bigger picture. He reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honoured by God (6:10).
If you are discouraged today? If you are feeling insignificant? If you are feeling forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or others.
As we remember, we rightly give thanks for the many sacrifices made on all our behalf’s, be encouraged that God remembers also what we do for him. Also remember the sacrifice which God has made for us, in that He gave His one and only Son to die for each of us, so that we might have freedom - freedom to live eternally!
Ever-living God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
